Political parties in Cape Town are calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to carry out a thorough and urgent investigation following the fatal shooting of ANC Councillor Lazola Gungxe yesterday.

SAPS spokesperson FC Van Wyk says a case of murder is under investigation.

“Officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Old Crossroads Community Hall in Gwayi Street, Nyanga. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a 48-year-old male. Preliminary information indicates that a community meeting had taken place at the venue earlier in the day. After the meeting concluded, the deceased was reportedly engaging with community members when two unidentified men approached and opened fire.”

Van Wyk says the suspects fled the scene in a white Toyota Avanza without a registration plates.

“Police confirmed that nothing was taken from the victim. Nyanga SAPS has registered a case of murder for investigation. The motive remains unclear at this stage.”

The ANC’s Judy-Ann Stevens expressed hope that the killers will be swiftly apprehended.

“While the circumstances surrounding this heinous act are still under investigation, we do not wish to speculate at this stage. We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.”

The GOOD Party described the killing as a brutal and senseless act that has shaken both the community and local government.

“This killing is yet another stark reminder that the proliferation of illegal firearms in Cape Town has reached crisis levels. Communities and public representatives cannot be expected to live and work under constant threat. We urge the relevant authorities to act decisively to remove illegal weapons from our streets and to prioritise the safety of residents and those who serve them.”

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais says acts of violence of this nature has no place in society.

“His murder is deeply concerning and cannot be tolerated. Such acts of violence have no place in our society and must be met with the full might of the law. I call on SAPS to conduct a thorough and urgent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are identified, apprehended, and brought to book without delay.”